Athens -Renowned Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, a Golden Globe winner and multiple Oscar nominee, voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of Israeli clubs in European basketball competitions, including the EuroLeague.
The director, a passionate basketball enthusiast and longtime supporter of Olympiacos, made his comments to ANT1 TV just before attending the EuroLeague matchup between Olympiacos and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Peace and Friendship Arena in Piraeus on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
"It's unacceptable that Israeli teams are allowed to compete in European championships," Lanthimos stated. "I came here to express this view and, of course, to support the team [Olympiacos]."
Lanthimos briefly played professional basketball in Greece early in his career before transitioning to filmmaking. He remains a dedicated fan of Olympiacos and frequently attends their home games.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions in European sports about geopolitical factors influencing participation in continental leagues. The EuroLeague has continued to include Maccabi Tel Aviv despite various debates over the years.
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